12 Carry-on Must-haves For Road Trip

Road Trip Essentials To Keep:

1. Food Storage

The majority of your meals will almost certainly be prepared in your van. In fact, van cooking is one of my favourite aspects of campervan life and a must-have among campervan essentials. Our van came with the essentials — cutlery, pots, pans, cups, and so on — but food storage options are crucial. This will allow you to cook less frequently and store food for future meals, similar to home meal prep if that's your thing.

I recommend bringing a few Stasher bags with you. These are my all-time favourite reusable baggies, which I use both at home and on the go. You'll also want to bring a few tupperware containers for leftovers. To save space, it's best if they can be stacked!

Despite the fact that most rented vans include dishware, I never travel without my Stojo collapsible cup. I got my first one right before the trip and have been using it almost every day since. It's safe to say I'm obsessed, and it's a must-have on this list of campervan essentials.

2. Garbage Bags

When I go shopping, I rarely accept plastic bags, but if you still have some, this is the perfect use for them! When travelling by campervan, I prefer to bring small bags rather than full-size garbage bags because it allows you to dispose of your trash at least once a day, preventing odours from accumulating. After two or three days in the van, that leftover curry isn't going to smell great.

Hand Sanitizer/Wipes 

Hand sanitizer is a must in today's world, but you'll need both hand sanitizer and wipes to ensure that you stay clean throughout your journey. While our van had a sink, using hand sanitizer is a great way to save water in your van. Your van might have a shower if you're lucky, but most rentals don't! Although many campgrounds have public showers, antibacterial body wipes are a good way to stay clean in between washes.

3. Hand Sanitizer/Wipes 

Hand sanitizer is a must in today's world, but you'll need both hand sanitizer and wipes to ensure that you stay clean throughout your journey. While our van had a sink, using hand sanitizer is a great way to save water in your van. Your van might have a shower if you're lucky, but most rentals don't! Although many campgrounds have public showers, antibacterial body wipes are a good way to stay clean in between washes.

4. Extra Lights  

Extra light sources, such as flashlights and fairy lights, are essential for your van life packing list. If you're looking for a restroom late at night, using a flashlight or headlamp will make things easier and safer. Fortunately, you'll be travelling with someone else, so a small light source will help you conserve the van's battery while not bothering your travel companion.

Although our rental van had excellent lighting, battery-operated fairy lights are a great way to save battery power while adding a fun touch! It will, without a doubt, assist you in capturing that perfect van life Instagram shot.

5. Plastic Gloves

The first time we had to dump our grey water was the biggest learning curve for us on our van life journey. If you're wondering what grey water is, it's basically any dirty dishwater we've used while travelling in the van. Because there was no toilet in the van, there was no waste in the water. The majority of campgrounds have a designated dump station where you can dispose of your waste and obtain fresh water. However, you'll want to make sure you're wearing gloves for this (not so fun) task.

6. Portable Toilet 

The little "toilet" will come in handy because we don't have a toilet in our van rental. We could hear coyotes outside our van on some particularly cold nights. Even with my handy flashlight, there was no way I was going to walk outside alone in the dark to find a toilet at the campsite. This option costs less than $20 and is ideal for late nights and road trips. Just don't forget to bring toilet paper!

7. Flip Flops/Slippers

During a campervan road trip, you'll want to avoid wearing your dirty shoes inside the van because it will serve as your car, your bed, your kitchen, and pretty much your entire life. A pair of plastic flip flops worked well for this, and they're at the top of my list of campervan necessities. It's also a good idea to bring flip flops with you if you plan on showering at a campground. If the weather is cold, you might want to consider a pair of slippers, such as these Minnetonka moccasins.

8. Hammock

Hammocks are truly a blessing. They're great for taking on scenic hikes or hooking up to the back of your van when you're pulled over. When I went on the Delta Lake hike in the Grand Tetons, I brought one with me, and it was the perfect spot to relax and swing. To avoid taking up too much space in your bag/van, make sure to get one that is travel friendly.

9. Entertainment

It's not uncommon for campgrounds to lack internet access or cell service, so bring some entertainment with you. If that's something you're looking for, Cabana Campervans offers both 5G wifi and a television in the van for a more luxurious experience. I always bring my Kindle with me when I travel so that I can read my books. Playing cards are also a fun and portable game! Monopoly Deal, the card game version of Monopoly, has recently become my obsession! Make sure to include it in your campervan packing list.

10. Sleeping Bags

A sleeping bag should definitely be on your list of campervan essentials. Most van rentals include some form of bedding, but depending on where you camp and when you go, it could get very cold! Look for a warm option that is also extremely compact, making it ideal for travel.

11. First Aid Kit

Having a first aid kit on hand is essential whether you're planning a campervan road trip or a regular road trip. We're crossing our fingers for a safe journey, but accidents do happen, especially when camping and hiking.

12. Packing Cubes

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I'm only now learning about the magic of packing cubes. The fact that I only began using packing cubes last year! i am in love with these.